It took quite some effort for Shi Xinxin to finally gather her thoughts. She looked at Sheng Chenjin and asked, "What did you say?"
Sheng Chenjin continued to smile warmly, a twinkle in his eyes as if filled with starlight. "Shi Xinxin, I'm formally proposing to you. Will you marry me?"
Shi Xinxin swallowed hard, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say.
At this moment, Sheng Chenjin playfully winked at Shi Xinxin. "If you are going to say something, I hope it's the three words 'I do'."
"Bossy!" Shi Xinxin couldn't help but laugh, playfully glaring at Sheng Chenjin. "Are you proposing or bullying me?"
Sheng Chenjin quickly explained, "Of course, I'm proposing! And I'm being very sincere. Can't you tell?"
Shi Xinxin chuckled, "I can tell you're being grand, as in 'tuhao' grand."
Sheng Chenjin, still kneeling, laughed. "No matter which 'grand' you mean, I can accept it. But there's just one thing, I beg you, please say yes."
Shi Xinxin finally adopted a serious demeanor, no longer teasing Sheng Chenjin. She looked at him kneeling on the ground, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Sheng Chenjin seemed to be waiting for Shi Xinxin's answer, and they both fell silent.
"I'm waiting for your answer, Shi Xinxin," Sheng Chenjin said patiently.
Shi Xinxin finally took a deep breath, preparing to answer Sheng Chenjin. "Well, I've considered it... I've decided..."
The words Shi Xinxin hadn't yet spoken made Sheng Chenjin a little anxious. Though impatient, he remained calm and listened intently to Shi Xinxin.
"What have you decided?" Sheng Chenjin asked.
Shi Xinxin then smiled slightly. "Of course, I accept!"
Upon hearing these words, Sheng Chenjin's lips finally curved into a smile, a smile of relief. He happily took Shi Xinxin's hand, slipped the ring onto her finger, and then kissed her hand.
"Do you know how excited I am right now?"
Shi Xinxin helped Sheng Chenjin up from the ground. "You're a patient, you can't kneel for too long. Just because you look so pitiful, I'll say yes."
Hearing Shi Xinxin say this, Sheng Chenjin appeared even happier.
"As long as you say yes, it doesn't matter why. Because..." Sheng Chenjin's voice grew even gentler, "I believe I am the only one in this world who can bring you happiness. Shi Xinxin, that person must be me."
Shi Xinxin was deeply touched by Sheng Chenjin's words. However, she didn't voice her emotions, having become more rational after her previous relationship.
Sheng Chenjin joyfully embraced Shi Xinxin. "Shi Xinxin, after you finish your advanced studies in the US, shall we hold the wedding right away?"
Hearing Sheng Chenjin's words, Shi Xinxin looked surprised. "So soon?"
Sheng Chenjin nodded. "Yes, I want it to be as soon as possible. That way, you and I can be together securely. Even if outsiders try to separate us and create misunderstandings, the chances will be slim. I think getting married is a very good thing for us."
However, Shi Xinxin still seemed hesitant. "Let's talk about it later."
From Shi Xinxin's words, Sheng Chenjin sensed her lingering concerns. "Xinxin, do you have any other worries?"
Shi Xinxin pondered for a moment before looking up at Sheng Chenjin. "I don't want to get married so soon, Sheng Chenjin. After all, so much has happened between us, and I'm finding it hard to adjust immediately."
Since Shi Xinxin had expressed herself so clearly, Sheng Chenjin couldn't force her any further.
"How about this? After you finish your studies in the US and return, can we get engaged? Just a small engagement ceremony."
Hearing Sheng Chenjin's proposal, Shi Xinxin felt it was difficult to refuse. After all, she had just rejected marriage, and now rejecting engagement might make Sheng Chenjin feel bad.
So, Shi Xinxin nodded. "Okay, when I return after studying in the US for a year, we will hold an engagement ceremony. Let's do that."
Sheng Chenjin's face finally lit up with a happy smile. "Okay, I'll handle everything then. You just need to tell me what you want."
Shi Xinxin also smiled.
"Oh, right," Sheng Chenjin seemed to recall something and looked at Shi Xinxin, tentatively asking in a low voice, "Since you've already accepted my proposal, I think there's no need for us to waste money."
"What do you mean?" Shi Xinxin looked at Sheng Chenjin in confusion.
Sheng Chenjin chuckled. "I mean, since things are this way, why don't we live together? I'll break my lease on my apartment."
Shi Xinxin deliberately looked at Sheng Chenjin, teasing him. "Hey, Mr. Sheng, aren't you very rich? Still thinking about saving money, how stingy can you be?"
Sheng Chenjin appeared quite candid. "How am I stingy? I just want to tell you that Shi Xinxin, we will eventually get married. I'm thinking about our future life together."
Hearing Sheng Chenjin say this, Shi Xinxin couldn't help but burst into laughter. "You're quite good at finding excuses, Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Chenjin raised an eyebrow, saying no more, but with a calm smile, he pressed on. "So, do you agree? Mrs. Sheng."
Shi Xinxin quickly covered her ears. "Don't call me that yet. Although I've accepted your proposal, I'm still a pure and innocent maiden."
"Pure, you're all..." Before Sheng Chenjin could finish his sentence, Shi Xinxin directly covered his mouth, as if begging for mercy, and said, "Alright, alright, I get it. Don't say anymore. I agree, okay? You can move in if you want, whatever makes you happy."
Seeing Shi Xinxin seemingly at a loss of what to do with him, Sheng Chenjin was delighted.
"Right, but we need to agree on one thing first," Shi Xinxin made a request to Sheng Chenjin.
Since Shi Xinxin had already agreed to him moving in, no matter what she asked, Sheng Chenjin was ready to agree. "Tell me, I promise."
Shi Xinxin smiled slyly. "Then don't regret it, Mr. Sheng. My condition is, if we ever argue, you must leave the room and not stay here."
Sheng Chenjin nodded. "Of course, but I can guarantee you that we will never argue. I won't let such a thing happen."